

Persistent back pain and stiffness are not always caused by posture, age or muscle strain. When back pain starts at a younger age, is worse after rest and improves with movement, it may sometimes be related to an inflammatory condition such as spondyloarthritis.
At Nishchay Hospital, we provide specialist-led spondyloarthritis treatment in Akola under the care of Dr. Niti Y. Kedia, Rheumatologist. The focus is on identifying inflammatory disease early, understanding how it is affecting the individual and creating a treatment plan that supports mobility and long-term disease control.
Persistent back pain and stiffness are not always caused by posture, age or muscle strain. When back pain starts at a younger age, is worse after rest and improves with movement, it may sometimes be related to an inflammatory condition such as spondyloarthritis.
At Nishchay Hospital, we provide specialist-led spondyloarthritis treatment in Akola under the care of Dr. Niti Y. Kedia, Rheumatologist. The focus is on identifying inflammatory disease early, understanding how it is affecting the individual and creating a treatment plan that supports mobility and long-term disease control.
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases that can affect the spine, joints and the areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bones.
Unlike ordinary mechanical back pain, inflammatory back pain is related to inflammation within the musculoskeletal system. It can cause prolonged stiffness, pain and reduced movement.
Spondyloarthritis can affect people at different ages and may develop gradually. In some people, symptoms are mainly related to the spine, while others may have pain or swelling in the arms and legs or symptoms involving the skin, eyes or bowel.
Early assessment can help distinguish inflammatory back pain from more common mechanical causes.
Spondyloarthritis includes several related conditions.
Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the spine, chest, and pelvis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and can cause vertebrae to fuse over time
Psoriatic arthritis occurs in some people with psoriasis and can affect the joints, spine, fingers and toes.
Reactive arthritis can develop after certain infections and may cause joint inflammation along with other symptoms.
This type of spondyloarthritis is associated with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
These conditions share some features but are not identical. Diagnosis and treatment depend on the specific pattern of disease.
Symptoms can develop slowly and may initially be mistaken for routine back pain. Common symptoms include:
Symptoms outside the joints
Some people may also experience eye inflammation or redness, psoriasis or skin changes, persistent bowel symptoms, or swelling of an entire finger or toe. Not everyone with spondyloarthritis has all of these symptoms.
Not all back pain needs a rheumatology opinion — but certain patterns are strong indicators that something inflammatory is going on:
The exact cause of spondyloarthritis is not fully understood. The condition is thought to involve a combination of genetic susceptibility, immune-system activity and environmental factors.
One genetic marker associated with several forms of spondyloarthritis is HLA-B27. However, being HLA-B27 positive does not mean that a person definitely has spondyloarthritis, and many people with the condition may not have this marker.
A family history of spondyloarthritis or related inflammatory conditions may increase risk. Certain infections and inflammatory bowel conditions can also be associated with specific types of spondyloarthritis.
There is no single test that can diagnose spondyloarthritis in every patient. Diagnosis usually combines symptoms, physical examination, blood tests and imaging.
Gout treatment really works on two separate tracks, and it’s important both are addressed:
as the first step to manage pain and stiffness.
when disease activity remains high or does not respond well to standard treatment.
to control long-term inflammation, particularly with peripheral joint involvement.
to improve movement, ease symptoms, and track changes in disease activity over time.
Getting this combination right, and adjusting it as needed, is what actually keeps the spine flexible over the years rather than letting stiffness gradually set in.
Staying active is generally an important part of managing inflammatory spinal conditions. Depending on the individual’s condition, a rheumatologist or physiotherapist may recommend:
Spondyloarthritis can sometimes occur with conditions affecting other parts of the body.
Some people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which can cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can be associated with inflammatory joint symptoms.
Some people with spondyloarthritis develop uveitis, which can cause eye pain, redness, light sensitivity or blurred vision.
Back pain is common and is often caused by mechanical or muscular problems. However, a rheumatology evaluation may be appropriate when back pain:
Worth a closer look
These symptoms do not confirm spondyloarthritis, but they may warrant further evaluation.
Not all persistent back pain is caused by spondyloarthritis.
The pattern of symptoms is important, but only a proper medical assessment can determine the cause.
Dr. Niti Y. Kedia is a gold-medalist physician trained in Internal Medicine, with focused post-doctoral training in Rheumatology. She provides specialised arthritis and autoimmune care in Akola, backed by advanced diagnostic skills and international training.
She completed a 2-year post-doctoral Fellowship in Rheumatology at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi, and holds EULAR training in musculoskeletal ultrasound – a precision imaging technique that allows early and accurate detection of joint inflammation, often before it is visible on standard X-rays.
Dr. Niti Y. Kedia is a gold-medalist physician trained in Internal Medicine, with focused post-doctoral training in Rheumatology. She provides specialised arthritis and autoimmune care in Akola, backed by advanced diagnostic skills and international training.
She completed a 2-year post-doctoral Fellowship in Rheumatology at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi, and holds EULAR training in musculoskeletal ultrasound – a precision imaging technique that allows early and accurate detection of joint inflammation, often before it is visible on standard X-rays.



Spondyloarthritis is a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases that can affect the spine, joints and areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. Some forms can also be associated with psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease or eye inflammation.
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not always referring to the same thing. Spondyloarthritis describes a group of inflammatory rheumatic conditions, while “spondylitis” can be used more broadly for inflammation of the spine. A specialist evaluation can clarify the underlying condition.
Early symptoms may include persistent lower back or buttock pain, prolonged morning stiffness and pain that improves with movement but worsens after rest. Heel pain or symptoms in other joints may also occur.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of axial spondyloarthritis. It primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints and may cause inflammatory back pain and stiffness.
There is currently no permanent cure, but appropriate treatment can help control inflammation, reduce symptoms, maintain mobility and manage the condition over the long term.
Yes. Appropriate exercise can help maintain flexibility, strength and physical function. A rheumatologist or physiotherapist can recommend exercises suited to the individual’s condition.
Yes. Some forms of spondyloarthritis are associated with eye inflammation, psoriasis and other symptoms outside the joints. New eye pain, redness or vision changes should be evaluated promptly.